The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudlesley by Sean Lusk

SynopsisLeadenhall Street, London, 1754.

Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father’s workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father’s creations to life.

He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets.

But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey to Constantinople that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened.

Review

The Second Sight if Zachary Cloudsley is a book that I have had on my wish list for about six months, so I was really excited to be asked to be part of the blog tour. Zachary is born in 1754, but as he came into this world, his mother sadly left. Brought up in his father’s workshop, Zachary spends his time with Able’s wonderous automatons and clocks, until an awful accident after which he is sent to live with his aunt. But Zachary is no normal child, he is highly intelligent and is able to see what is to come for himself and others. When his father has to go away to Constantinople, and doesn’t return, Zachery goes on an adventure to find the truth of what happened to him.

The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudlesly more than lived up to my expectations. When I started this book I realised that it reminded me of Charles Dickens in certain aspects. The idea of a young motherless boy, with special gifts, is certainly Dickensian as is an eccentric aunt, an outspoken wet nurse and a father who will do anything to protect his son. We follow Zachary as he grows from inquisitive child to highly intelligent, empathetic, and curious young man. His love of nature comes from being around his Aunt Frances, whose house is more like a menagerie than a home. To say she is eccentric is an understatement, she travels with her birds, goes shooting, and has a house and business that is in complete disarray. However, she teaches Zachary about the world around him, discusses politics and philosophy all of which she deems more important than a regular education One of my favourite characters was Mrs Morley, origionally hired as a wet nurse for Zachary, as she also has a three month old daughter Leonora. She is a larger than life character, straight talking and has no airs and graces. Her comments and musings certainly made me smile. Interestingly Sean Lusk has his female characters being independent, confident women, living their lives by their own rules.

It is hard to believe that this is Sean Lusk’s debut novel as it is so well written and researched. I thought the chapter headings fabulous , again in the manner of classic literature, so you have an idea of what is going to happen in each chapter. The setting of 1750’s which was an unstable England, seemingly at war with everyone is really interesting, the different political allegiances that ultimately catch an unwilling Able in their net, sending him to Constantinople on a mission he doesn’t want. Sean Lusk’s descriptive prose made me feel I was there with the characters, could see the beautiful minarets of Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia, the Ottoman Palace and the smell the beautiful spices in the air, which are all in complete contrast with the dullness of London and it’s not so pleasant aromas. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the fabulous creations in Abel’s workshop, especially the automon, which were popular at the time. The plot was pretty fast paced and I enjoyed reading not just Zachary and Abel’s stories but also those of the other characters, adding different dimensions to the book, and told with wit, comapssion and care.

The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudlesely is a fabulous, imaginative and magical read. The prose flows beautifully and Sean Lusk writes with a warmth and wit that makes this an immersive and exciting read. At the heart of this novel is the love of family, an aunt for her nephew, but most importantly the love between a father an son, a bond where they will do anything for each other. This is a truely bewitching book, heartwarming and atmosheric and one I highly recommend.

I would like to thank Anne Cater and Doubleday for my blog tour invite in retuen for my honest review.